Compound profile · Recovery research

Melanotan 2

A peptide studied for stimulating skin-pigmentation (tanning) pathways.

Tissue research Janoshik verified
StatusResearch use only
BPC-157 - 10 mg
BPC-157 - 10 mg
Dhs. 349.00
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01

Tanning, by signal.

Melanotan 2 mimics α-MSH, the hormone that tells skin to produce melanin. It is studied for darkening skin with less UV exposure and, because it also hits MC4R, for appetite and libido effects.

01
Melanin signal
Activates MC1R to stimulate pigment production in the skin.
02
Side targets
Also engages MC4R, affecting appetite and sexual response.
03
Safety flags
Linked to nausea, darkening of moles and unverified long-term risks.
02

At a glance

7
Amino acids
MC1R
Pigment target
MC4R
Side target
03

Where the research focuses.

01
Skin pigmentation

Its main draw - stimulating melanin and tanning with less sun exposure.

02
Libido

Overlaps with PT-141 through the MC4R pathway.

03
Appetite

Melanocortin signalling can suppress appetite in studies.

04
Photoprotection (theory)

More melanin is hypothesised to reduce UV damage - unproven in humans.

04

One signal, several effects.

Because melanocortin receptors sit in skin, brain and elsewhere, Melanotan 2 produces several effects at once - pigmentation plus appetite and libido changes.

It has no approval and a notable safety question mark: regulators have warned about unregulated use, and changes to moles warrant caution.

05

Strength of the evidence.

Tier 01
Strongest support
  • Melanogenesis / pigmentation well characterised
  • MC1R mechanism established
Tier 02
Moderate support
  • Libido and appetite effects via MC4R
  • Anecdotal tanning reports
Tier 03
Emerging / unverified
  • Long-term safety and melanoma risk
  • Mole-change concerns
06

How it works

01
MC1R agonism

Drives melanin synthesis in skin cells.

Established
02
MC4R effects

Influences appetite and sexual response.

Documented
03
Pigment spread

Darkens skin, freckles and existing moles.

Observed
04
Safety

Nausea, flushing and mole changes reported; long-term risk unknown.

Caution
07

How it moves through the system

AdministrationPeakHalf-lifeCleared
Peak 50% Cleared
~1 h
Onset to peak
~1 h (variable)
Half-life
hours
Largely cleared
Curve shape is illustrative; figures reflect pharmacokinetics reported in research - rapid local metabolism, figures from animal IV/IM data.
08

Reconstitution calculator

How much diluent to mix into the vial, and the concentration that results. The suggested volume reaches a clean working stock; the calculator does the arithmetic from figures you enter. These describe solution preparation for research handling — not instructions for use in humans or animals.

Suggested reconstitution Reconstitute the 10 mg vial with 2 mL bacteriostatic water → 5.0 mg/mL (5000 mcg/mL)
Concentration—
Volume / aliquot—
U-100 units—
Aliquots / vial—
Concentration = compound ÷ diluent. Volume per aliquot = target ÷ concentration. U-100 units are a volume readout (1 mL = 100 units). Figures are for research solution preparation only — not instructions for use in humans or animals.
09

Signs of a quality compound

Lyophilised cake or powder
A fine, fluffy white cake — not oily, clumped or discoloured.
Clear reconstitution
Dissolves to a clear, colourless solution with no visible particles or cloudiness.
Batch-specific COA
Independent HPLC purity and mass-spec identity for the exact lot — not a recycled generic PDF.
Intact seal & vacuum
Sealed flip-top vial under vacuum; correct fill; legible batch and storage marking.
Walk away if…
No COA, oily residue, off-colour, partial vacuum, or purity claims with no independent test behind them.
Suspiciously cheap
Pricing far below the market for a well-tested compound usually means skipped testing or underfilled vials.
Regulatory & status
Popular, unregulated.

Melanotan 2 has no medical approval and was removed from the FDA's Category 2 list in April 2026. Health agencies have repeatedly warned about unregulated use; it is sold strictly as a research material. Mole changes warrant medical attention.

Approval
Not approved anywhere
Apr 2026
Removed from FDA Category 2
Regulators
Repeated safety warnings
Watch
Mole / skin changes
Research handling
Important notices
  • For research purposes only
  • Not for human consumption
  • Not FDA approved
  • Consult a qualified professional
Important

For research use only. Not for human consumption. Apex Academy is an educational reference describing findings reported in published and preclinical literature. Nothing here is medical advice, a protocol, or a recommendation to administer any compound to humans or animals. Many compounds described are investigational and are not approved by the FDA or other regulators for the prevention, treatment, or cure of any condition. Their long-term safety and pharmacokinetics remain incompletely characterized. Dose ranges, where shown, describe quantities used in cited research models - not instructions for use. Consult a qualified, licensed professional before making any health decision.